There’s a distinction between problematic drinking and true alcohol addiction. but determining when someone has crossed that line can be tricky — especially if they handle their alcohol well. There’s no official amount of alcohol consumption that confirms if someone has a drinking problem.
When is it more than just a drinking problem? 10 signs of alcohol addiction
There isn’t one singular reliable measure to catch the warning signs of alcoholism. In fact, you might never actually see an alcoholic consume alcohol; drinking in secrecy is common among those with alcohol use disorder. More reliable alcoholism warning signs to look out for are those that are physical or behavioral. Has a person’s demeanor or personality shifted drastically? Are they suddenly struggling to keep up with school, work, or familial responsibilities?
If you identify several of the common alcohol use disorder symptoms in yourself or a loved one, it could be a strong indicator of drinking habits that are beyond healthy limits and would benefit from addiction support.
1. Drinking alcohol at inappropriate times or occasions
This could look like drinking on the way to work or frequently at work or at places of worship or religious events. When the urge to drink overrides concerns of safety or propriety, it could be a red flag of just how strong a person’s craving or psychological need to consume alcohol.
2. Unable to cut back
One of the most common retorts when someone is suspected of having a drinking problem is “I can quit anytime I want!” Whether or not this is a public declaration, having the intention to reduce their alcohol consumption but struggling to follow through can be a major red flag.
3. Struggling with personal and professional responsibilities
Priorities change when addiction takes hold. Food, shelter, social connection, and stability become secondary to consuming the drug of choice. As a result, it’s common for an alcoholic’s personal and professional lives to suffer. Neglecting responsibilities in the home or workplace could also be a result of frequent (if not constant) inebriation that renders them incapable of fulfilling necessary tasks.
5. Constantly disappearing at gatherings
Sometimes, those with drinking problems are aware their drinking habits aren’t healthy and will drink in secret to avoid scrutiny or suspicion (especially if comments have been made in the past). These individuals may seem to always disappear or “get lost” at gatherings, but reappear shortly after.
6. Sudden financial troubles
Another potential sign of addiction is the sudden onset of financial problems. This can be a result of increased spending on alcohol, the loss of their job, or criminal or legal troubles. Looks for requests to borrow money, opening of new credit cards or other types of high interest debt like payday loans, or selling their belongings.
7. Uptick in reckless behavior
Alcohol and drug abuse is known to cause cognitive impairments like memory loss, ability to focus, and impulse control. This can be difficult to identify in a loved one you aren’t constantly around, but can manifest as an increased frequency of reckless or dangerous behavior such as getting into fights, drinking and driving, theft, or run-ins with law enforcement.
8. Abdominal pain
Alcohol is extremely damaging to many internal organs, particularly those in the gastrointestinal and urinary tract which play a key role in filtering out toxins from the body. Abdominal pain can be an indicator of a gastrointestinal disorder, liver disease, or kidney damage — all of which are common side effects of long-term alcohol abuse.
10. Mental health issues
It’s extremely common for alcoholism and other types of drug addiction to be accompanied by mental illness.
Alcohol’s effects on the neurochemicals in the brain can result in the development of mental illness (and some individuals have a genetic predisposition that places them at a higher risk), anxiety and depression are some of the most common. However, there’s also a strong correlation between existing mental illness which contributes to substance abuse, and thus, addiction.
If someone’s mental health noticeably worsens while exhibiting additional alcoholism warning signs, seek immediate professional addiction support.
How & when to seek addiction help for alcohol abuse
If you observe several signs of alcohol addiction in a loved one (or yourself) but still aren’t sure, peer-based support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous are a wonderful and free resource that can confirm your suspicions. Sharing personal stories is a key part of AA’s structure and hearing stories from self-admitted alcoholics may provide helpful clarity in a judgement free environment. Find an online or local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting today.
